ownership over the roadways and as
consequence, far too many neighborhood
trips are made by car. There is an

to develop a framework for
all parties to work together.
Physical changes to the street
and the overall enhancement

opportunity to transform residential roads

of the quality of space will

into comfortable and safe places to walk,

need to consider both city-

cycle and enjoy.

wide priorities and the
specific needs of individual

I want a safe place
where I can teach my
kids to ride a bike.

neighborhoods and
individual streets. Therefore,
the model for the future
creation of Neighborhood
Greenways in Seattle

Listening to the People
The intent of Neighborhood Greenways

I want an even better
neighborhood for
walking.

is to prioritize and invite all users who
wish to walk, bike and play on calmed
residential streets. Neighborhood
Greenways will make streets safer for
non-motorized users, link residential
areas with neighborhood destinations

cannot be established
as a fixed plan, but
must be a framework
which will be able

to support design solutions
suited to each
neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
context and
resources.

and incorporate new and inviting
public spaces and amenities along the
route. Individual residents, however,
will have a wide range of current needs
and desires along potential routes. It is
paramount that as many individuals
and perspectives as possible are taken

I want to keep happy
and healthy and stay
active everyday.

into account throughout the planning
process. Residents can also learn by
listening to the visions of each other,
such as the potential for ecological
improvements along newly implemented
Neighborhood Greenways.

6

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I want to get from my
house to a larger network Inclusive Approach
Neighborhood Greenways are wide scale projects involving the
of bike lanes and trails.
entire city of Seattle. Residents, business leaders, politicians and
city staff should all be invited to participate in the planning and
design. Ultimately, by involving as many people as possible in the

I want to make my
deliveries more
efficiently.

process, in addition to seeing benefits in increased transportation
options, residents might also develop a heightened sense of
ownership for one’s neighborhood, stronger community ties
between neighbors and more comfort in better knowing one’s
neighborhood.

I want a to see less
cut-through traffic when
I’m in my garden.

Win-Win Benefits
We want to continue
our conversation while
riding to get coffee.

In addition to creating safer and more inviting
streets, Neighborhood Greenways have a number
of broader benefits. By incorporating more
support for outdoor and physical activities,
studies show that the overall public health and
personal sense of happiness of residents is likely
to improve. By making streets more attractive and
by linking residential homes to local businesses,

Think Strategically

housing real estate values are predicted to

The City of Seattle supports the concept

increase as is the likelihood that more people will

of Neighborhood Greenways but public

shop locally. By adding ecological infrastructure

funds and resources are limited. Both

to capture and filter stormwater, the street will

the city staff and neighborhood groups should be as

become not only more aesthetically pleasing, but

opportunistic as possible and to be on the lookout for

will also increase the amount of natural habitat

innovative collaborations. Currently, there are streets

and add

which have the potential to become a Neighborhood

biodiversity.

Greenway with only a few minor infrastructure
changes, yielding significant improvements in safety
and connections with little investment of cost
and time. There are also a number of potential
partners that might be able to help fund both
immediate and/or future-

I want to grow up in a
world with clean air and
water I can swim in.

I want to enjoy my
daily walk to the bus
when I go to work.

I want to drive to the
oriented street enhancements.
grocery store and park Involved residents and the city
my car outside my door. should continuously aim to
consider how to achieve multiple
goals rather than acting abruptly with
short-term, piecemeal improvements. Such
strategic thinking can greatly impact the
future success and development of Seattle
Neighborhood Greenways.

Cycling increased 268% between 2000-2007.
Currently, more than 23% of trips made by the city’s

Take away

lowest income residents are by foot or bicycle. By

By working with quick implementation, the city

prioritizing bicycling and pedestrian mobility, the

also saw quick results. They tracked these results

government has created a more balanced network

and now have the statistics to support more costly,

of transportation across the city.

but also more permanent and higher quality street
and public space enhancements.

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SUSTAINABILITY

PLACEMAKING

Malmö, Sweden

Leeds, UK

With a declining economy and population, the

‘Home Zones’ are streets with unique layouts that

government of Malmö, Sweden recognized the

cause the street to act and feel as equally shared

need to improve the quality, appeal and brand

space. Within a Home Zone, the speed limit of

of the city. Spurred by the city’s transformation

vehicles is set to 10 miles per hour. Pedestrians,

from an industrial-based economy to a

cyclists and residents use the space for recreational

knowledge-based economy, the city decided to

and social engagement and cars are treated as

strategically invest in world-leading sustainability

invited guests. Typically the street is non-linear,

improvements. One of the first projects was

which not only calms traffic but also creates

Augustenborg, a rehabilitated neighborhood

various spaces to be used as public space for things

focused on recycling, green roofs and stormwater

such as: bike parking, seating, or a place to drink a

management.

cup of tea.

Take away

Take away

Malmö has become a model of sustainability

Many public space amenities have also been added

unlike anywhere else in the world. Visitors,

to the streetscape of a Home Zone. Public seating,

scholars and politicians travel from around the

flower beds, play areas, street lights and trees offer

world to Augustenborg to witness the use of various

several community benefits beyond traffic calming.

environmental techniques. Malmö is continuing

Home Zones also enhance the aesthetics of the

to develop its approach to sustainability, as

street and have been shown to have increased the

not only good for the environment, but also in

value of adjacent homes.

strengthening the image and brand of the city.

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What do
Neighborhood
Greenways mean?
The City of Seattle is working to enhance transportation options in the city
and Neighborhood Greenways will become an integral part of the process.
Reducing vehicle speeds and traffic volume is necessary for safe Neighborhood
Greenways, but by creating inviting space for non-motorized users,
Neighborhood Greenways can also bring about larger scale neighborhood and
environmental improvements.

10

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Neighborhood Greenways ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience that
safely connects community services and amenities. There are a number of
benefits to the city, neighborhoods, streets and people, such as: more efficient
traffic flow and fewer collisions, increase in local economic activity and real
estate values, more fitness opportunities leading towards better public health,
reductions in CO2 emissions, increased native habitat and biodiversity and
more pleasant and beautiful streets.

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What Neighborhood Greenways
mean for Seattle
Eighty percent of Seattle’s publicly owned land is used for streets. Historically,
streets have been dominated by the movement of vehicles but as more people
choose to walk and bike, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) wants to
address a wider range of needs. The introduction of Neighborhood Greenways in
the updated Bicycle Master Plan provides another alternative in transportation and
represents an important step to creating a complete network.
CITY OF SEATTLE PLANNING EFFORTS

TODAY’S CHALLENGES

safety, environment,
health and quality

12

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NEIGHBORHOOD

BIKE COMMUTER

GREENWAYS

During rainfall, the combination
of sewage and stormwater
may EXCEED THE CAPACITY OF
SEATTLE ’ S DRAINAGE SYSTEM
and overflow into waterways.
Though annual overflows have
been drastically reduced it
is still not enough to protect
Seattle’s waterways and to
comply with the Clean Water
Act.3.

City of Seattle, Seattle Public
Utilities. seattle.gov, 2011.

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In 2010, NO STATE
HAD A PREVALENCE
OF OBESITY LESS
THAN 20%.
Center for Disease,
Control and
Prevention. cdc.gov,
2011.

Between 2000 and
2009 in King County,
19 CYCLISTS and 238
PEDESTRIANS lost their
lives to cars, while
injuries sent another
423 CYCLISTS and 1,656
PEDESTRIANS to our
hospital wards for two
days or more after being
hit by cars.

ENVIRONMENT

SAFETY

CAR DOMINATED

Time

Cycling to work
also goes together
with HAPPINESS.
The percentage of
cycling commuters
is positively
associated with
levels of happiness
and well-being.

The Atlantic, 2011.

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≤ 2 mi
NEARLY 70% OF ALL TRIPS
IN AMERICA ARE TWO
MILES OR LESS...

.5 MI
10 MIN WALK

...90% OF THEM
ARE BY CAR

2 MI
15 MIN BIKE

IMPROVING BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE AND
WALKING ENVIRONMENTS WITHIN 2 MILES OF
SEATTLE’S URBAN VILLAGES COULD SIGNIFICANTLY
IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY TO NEIGHBORHOOD
AMENITIES ACROSS ALL OF THE CITY.

THE CHANCE A MOTORIST WILL
COLLIDE WITH A CYCLIST OR
PEDESTRIAN IS REDUCED BY 66%
IN COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE
TWICE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE
BIKING OR WALKING. COLLISIONS
RATES DECLINE WHEN MORE
PEOPLE ARE ON THE STREET.
Jacobsen, Peter. Injury Prevention, 2003.

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What Neighborhood Greenways
mean for a Neighborhood
Great neighborhoods bring residents together to foster relationships and support a
greater sense of community. In many Seattle neighborhoods it is already possible
to get to local destinations in a relatively short walk or bike ride, yet many people
still choose to drive. Neighborhood Greenways can significantly improve the safety
and social experience of getting around one’s own neighborhood, inviting more
residents to choose to walk or bike to local destinations.

$$$
PORTLAND GREENWAYS COST
ROUGHLY $250,000 PER MILE...
...MOST OF THIS IS USED FOR
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS.

$$$

10% OF ALL MILES BIKED IN PORTLAND
OCCURRED ON GREENWAYS.

ONLY 1% OF PORTLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BICYCLE
INFRASTRUCTURE IS GREENWAYS.

Raisman, Greg. Portland Bureau
of Transportation, 2011.

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Dill, Jennifer. Journal of Public
Health and Safety, 2009.

Frank/Andresen/Schmid, American
Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2004.

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15

What Neighborhood Greenways
mean for a Street
Neighborhood Greenways enhance safety for those who wish to walk or bike,
without preventing cars from getting where they need to go. Each street and
intersection presents a unique set of circumstances for which a variety of physical
elements can be employed to reduce traffic volumes and retain low speeds. By
carefully considering how physical elements are arranged new functions can occur
within the roadway.

TREES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT
OF WAY ARE ASSOCIATED
WITH LOWER CRIME RATES.
THE EFFECT OF TREES ON
A HOUSE'S LOT IS MORE
MIXED. LOT TREES SMALL
ENOUGH TO BLOCK THE
VIEW FROM A FIRST-FLOOR
WINDOW INCREASE CRIME
OCCURRENCE, WHILE LARGER
LOT TREES DECREASED CRIME
OCCURRENCE.
Donovan, Geoffrey and Jeffrey Prestemon.
Environmental and Behavior, 2010.

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17

What Neighborhood Greenways
mean for People
Pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle drivers each experience a street differently. A
car may travel on a residential street at 25 mph, whereas an average adult walking
along the sidewalk will move at a speed of 3 mph and an average bicyclist will go
down the street at 7 mph. Each of these users’ eye levels and peripheral vision
will be at different heights and ranges. These details significantly affect perceived
distances, the ability to recognize signage and overall enjoyment of a route.
Neighborhood Greenways should provide connections, safety, enjoyable spaces
and comfortable movement. A list of ’Quality Criteria’ has been developed to
ensure the best possible conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. This can be used
to evaluate designs pre- and post-implementation and throughout all stages of the
public engagement process.

2 EXAMPLES USING ‘QUALITY CRITERIA’ TO EVALUATE A STREET

HIGH POINT DRIVE SOUTHWEST,
WEST SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOOD
This street is not designated as a special
route but produces many good (smile)
ratings based on comparison with the
‘Quality Criteria’ checklist.
With the simple addition of legible
signage and pavement markings, this
street can easily be transformed into a
high quality Neighborhood Greenway.

WEST EWING STREET,
INTERBAY / MAGNOLIA NEIGHBORHOOD
This ‘multi- use trail’ is an integral link to
regional bike and walking trails but receives
a very poor rating (frown) in most areas
when compared to the ‘Quality Criteria’
checklist.

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Connections
Links Neighborhood
• Connects to regional trails and other
bicycle facilities
• Route travels close to local business
activities
• Connect schools, public spaces and
neighborhood amenities

A City-wide Network
• Connections from one neighborhood to
another (may need to use other bicycles
facilities)
• Removes barriers and detours for
efficient bicycle and pedestrian flow
• Connects to transit stops and other
modes of transportation

Safety and Protection
Deterrent of Crime and
Violence
• Active residential buildings provide
passive surveillance and eyes on the
street
• Overlapping functions and use
throughout the day
• Appropriate lighting in evening hours

• Spaces for spontaneous activities to
encourage ‘getting to know your
neighbor’
• Opportunities for art and local activity
• Street designs that reflect natural and
historic character
• Sense of ownership and responsibility

Visually Appealing
Landscape
• Interesting views and vistas
• Abundant trees and vegetation
• Spaces designed for a full range of ages
• Trees to protect from wind and adverse
climate
• Delineation between private and public
spaces

Physical
Elements
Physical changes in street layout and design are usually needed to enhance
user experience. All citizens can provide valuable ideas for how physical
elements can be used and where they should be placed. Therefore, it will be
beneficial for residents, community leaders, designers and city officials to be
familiar with the language involved in basic street design.

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To understand their purpose and intention, this section breaks down the
physical elements of Neighborhood Greenways into six categories. Images
from Seattle and around the world are used to depict a range of proven and
innovative strategies.
Additional examples and links to resources are available on the
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways Toolkit and Resource pages:
neighborhoodgreenwayssea.wordpress.com

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Invitations
Incorporating dynamic elements into Neighborhood Greenways both enhances the
experience of moving along the street and provides amenities that invite users to
stop and linger.

Key Considerations
Provide a variety of open spaces that might invite individuals from
different cultures, ages, gender and incomes to interact.
Provide safe bicycle parking facilities at all major destinations and
public transport nodes.
Maintain adequate maintenance of new amenities.
The use of high quality, sustainable materials bestows a sense of
pride to a place, communicating the importance of the space.
Cultivate and look for opportunities for public education. Signs,
interactive displays and community boards can tell about the history
and the environment of a place or of the people living there.
New elements should be well integrated in the street with a human
scaled design that supports the identity, character and use of the
neighborhood.

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Furniture and Amenities
Street furniture and other
amenities can be added. Street
furniture provides people with a
reason to linger and also ensures
that movement along routes is
pleasurable and interesting.
Seating can be creatively integrated into the
streetscape. Seattle, WA

Community Information Board was built as part
of a city repair project. Portland, OR

Bicycle repair
stations provide tools
and air. Austin, TX

Staircase runnels
help the cyclist
maneuver. DK

•

Seating

•

Planters

•

Water fountain

•

Lighting

•

Overhead protection

•

Exercise stations

•

Public art

•

Bike racks and bays

•

Community kiosks/boards

•

Bike repair station

New Public Spaces
Small and inviting spaces are
created by enhancing public land
situated between a street and
other elements such as a building,
wall, or public art. The spaces
are protected from unpleasant
Tents and chairs are used during pop-up
events in the street. Seattle, WA

Located in the street right-of-way, this
community cob oven is shared and
constructed by local residents. Portland, OR

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As part of a community-generated art project,
this painted intersection creates a sense of
arrival and identity. Seattle, WA

Designed by a local artist, this gate screens a
garage and creates a visually interesting stop
along the sidewalk. Seattle, WA

Neighborhood Greenway?

Physical Elements

experiences and can be used to
highlight community stories and
identity.
•

Urban gardens

•

Public art

•

Pocket Parks

•

Water features

•

Screens

•

History walk

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23

Wayfinding
Wayfinding visually directs people along Neighborhood Greenways and informs
them about what is nearby. It also gives motorists visual clues to expect more
people biking, walking, and enjoying the street.

Key Considerations
Excess street signs can clutter the visual landscape and become a
distraction for drivers. The use of street signs should be limited and
integrated with existing vertical elements.
Signage should always be placed to the right of the direction of travel.
Wayfinding should be sized appropriately for the user. For example,
pedestrian signage should be located at eye level.
Additional pavement markings initiated by residents can provide a
sense of ownership while also alerting other road users to expect an
increase of cyclists and pedestrians on the street.
Community art projects can establish clear landmarks that assist
cyclists and pedestrians in navigating through their neighborhoods.
Place indicator signage wherever a Neighborhood Greenway
intersects another residential street.

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Signage
Signage is typically used at
intersections or near destinations
to notify bicyclists and pedestrians
of the proper direction to travel.
These signs can also include the
distance to regional trails and
neighborhood destinations.

Purple was one of the few noticeable
colors not already used for city-wide
traffic signage. Berkeley, CA

Signage alerts motorists that bicycles
have priority and should yield when
turning. Seattle, WA

•

Motorist-scaled signs

•

Directional signage

•

Public art or object

The small scale and placement of this sign is
designed specifically for the needs of bicyclists.
Copenhagen, DK

Pavement Markings
Pavement markings remind
all users they are using or
intersecting a Neighborhood
Greenway. Variations in color,
patterns, and surface materials
Bicycle sharrow stencil flower indicates the intersection
of two Neighborhood Greenways. Portland, OR

Pavement paintings and material
changes are incorporated into the
entire streets design. New Zealand

alert users that they have entered
a different type of street and will
make them aware of potential
danger and conflict zones.

Traffic Calming
Traffic calming encourages both bicyclists and motorists to slow down and share
the road. By using the right combination of visual cues and physical changes along
a street, the behavior of cars, bicyclists and pedestrians will change.

Key Considerations
Traffic calming must be used at appropriate intervals throughout the
entire length of a Neighborhood Greenway and will vary depending
on original street conditions .
Combine green stormwater infrastructure and other public amenities
with traffic calming to efficiently achieve multiple objectives.
At intersections with a Neighborhood Greenway, physical elements
placed between vehicle traffic lanes (such as a pedestrian refuge
island) can temporarily reduce the street width and slow traffic to a

20 mph zone

safer speed.
Ensure that the travel lane maintains a minimum width of 11 feet.
On two-way streets, the overall width of vehicular travel space can be
reduced to 20 feet without additional traffic analysis by extending the
curb or introducing vehicle parking.
A cyclistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path might be affected by inconsistent curb lines. Ensure
that curb extensions are gradual and do not force a bicyclist abruptly
into a vehicle travel lane.

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Change Street Layout
Changes in street layout force
drivers to become more aware of
their surroundings. By narrowing
the road at an intersection,
motorists’ turning speeds are
Median crossings provide a haven for
pedestrians at arterial crossings and narrow
the street. Copenhagen, DK

a crossing pedestrian. Slight
shifts in the travel lane along a
route slow speeds and improve

Neckdowns extend the curb to reduce street
width and crosswalks can be integrated to
minimize the crossing distance.

This chicane interrupts traffic flow by
momentarily allowing bicyclists to travel on the
side of the road. Portland, OR

reduced as is the distance for

the visibility of approaching
pedestrians and bicyclists.

A series of barriers on alternative sides of
the street create a meandering lane for
cars. Seattle, WA

Raised Interruptions

•

Chicane

•

Mini traffic circle

•

Pinch point

•

Neckdown (curb extension or
bulb out)

•

Median crossing

•

Reducing turning radius

•

Roadway narrowing

•

Medians

Raised interruptions placed midblock or at intersections will slow
the speed of motor vehicles.

By regrading the street, speed tables are designed to maintain slower speed levels. In this
example the middle of the table has been raised to the height of the sidewalk. Copenhagen, DK

Speed bumps are installed mid-block to
Speed humps are inexpensive tool to temporarily
reduce auto traffic to 20-25 mph. just
slow vehicle speed but can also be uncomfortable for
before and after the bump.
bicyclists, especially with trailers. Portland, OR

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•

Speed humps

•

Speed table

•

Raised crosswalks

•

Raised intersections

•

Material changes

The physical design and
implementation of each raised
interruption can vary along a route.

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Traffic Control
Traffic control manages vehicles by limiting the number of motorists on the street
and the speed at which they travel. The intent is not to prevent vehicles from
getting to where they need to go but to encourage the use of arterials, improving
efficiency and safety of the entire transportation network.

Key Considerations
Use traffic control measures only when other traffic calming measures will
not achieve needed speed reductions.
Unnecessary traffic signals can encourage red light running and/or
jaywalking. By rerouting high speed vehicles to arterials, some existing
traffic signals may not be necessary.
Clearly indicate how bicycles and pedestrians are expected to travel
through all traffic barriers.
Maintain sight lines at every crossing.

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Physical Barriers
Physical barriers and deviations
limit or restrict vehicle traffic
from entering a Neighborhood
Greenway from a busier street.
This keeps cars from cutting
Diagonal diverters prevent cars from
continuing down a street by forcing them to
turn. Portland, OR

Full street closures use raised features or
barriers to prevent any vehicle from entering a
street.

through on neighborhood streets
and can provide neighborhood
park space while maintaining full
pedestrian and bicycle access.

Contraflow bike lanes allow bicycles to
travel in both directions on a one-way
street. Portland, OR

Traffic Rules
Traffic rules affect how people
behave as they move through a
street but they are successful only
if people are educated and streets
are designed to reinforce the rules.
A stop sign forces travellers to stop and
look for cross traffic before entering a
Neighborhood Greenway.

•

Reduced speed limit

•

Hand signals, helmets, bike
light

Consistently using hand signals and following
traffic rules informs all users about what to
expect. Roseville, MN

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•

Speed cameras

•

Traffic garden

•

Blinking speedometer

As a reminder to motorists, 20 mph speed
limit is painted in tall letters at regular
intervals along the route. New York City, NY

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Modal Separation
Neighborhood Greenways create shared spaces where bicycles and cars travel at
a similar speed and pedestrians can safely cross the street. There will be times,
however, where it is necessary to separate modes to reduce potential conflict
between users.

Key Considerations
Always keep the slowest traffic on the right-hand side: pedestrians,
then bikes, then cars .
Ideally, a change in curb height from a travel lane to a dedicated
bicycle path to sidewalk should be 3 inches between each path.
It is always safer for bicyclists to travel in the same direction as
motorized traffic. Where feasible, avoid placing a two-way bicycle
lane on one side of a two-way street.
Never direct cyclists onto the narrow space of a residential sidewalk
unless there are no other safe alternatives.
A 6-foot wide bicycle lane is needed for riders to continue a
conversation while riding comfortably.

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Bicycles and Pedestrians
Clear delineation between bicycles
and pedestrians allow both users
to move at comfortable speeds
without interruptions or conflict.

Bikes and pedestrians take advantage of
shortcuts when each are given their own
space to travel through. Copenhagen, DK

Traffic islands on busier streets guide bicyclists
to cross in the middle of the intersection and
pedestrians at sidewalks. Portland, OR

Bicycles and Cars
Separating bicycles from motorists
provides protection when
bicyclists must travel near busier
traffic. It can also make bicyclists
Bicycle stop bars allow a bike to go to the
front of the vehicle stop sign, making them
more visible to drivers. Portland, OR
Offering a separated bike path through a park
encourages bicyclists as they take advantage of
neighborhood shortcuts. Seattle, WA

Parked cars are used to protect bikers on the
cycle track from vehicle flow. Copenhagen, DK

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more visible to motorists.
•

Pedestrian bridge

•

Bicycle sidepath (cycle track)

•

Contraflow bike lane

•

Bicycle forward stop bar

•

Bicycle sharrow

•

Buffered bicycle lane

Painted double lines allow bicycles to travel
in both directions on a one-way street.
Seattle, WA

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Green Stormwater
Infrastructure
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is the practice of managing stormwater
using natural systems. This technique can be used to clean runoff before it flows
into streams, lakes, and bays and to reduce demand on our existing sewer system.
This can also increase aesthetics and improve biodiversity within the streetscape.

Key Considerations
Taller trees typically allow better sight lines. Scale trees and
vegetation appropriately to retain good visual overview for bicyclists
and pedestrians.
Integrate as many green stormwater infrastructure components as
possible into each block of a Neighborhood Greenway.

R A IN WISE

Consider how Green Stormwater Infrastructure can be combined
with other interventions, such as curb extensions or seating.
Protect existing trees and roots.
Educate neighbors about Green Stormwater infrastructure by
incorporating educational signage and interpretation.
Reclaim the 30-feet near intersections where vehicles are restricted
from parking, to combine curb extensions with rain gardens.

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Trees and Vegetation
Trees and vegetation can
significantly reduce the
amount of stormwater runoff.
Evapotranspiration captures
rainwater in the leaves and
the roots soak up water and
increase the ability of soil to
store precipitation. Vegetation
can be incorporated with other
GSI techniques to increase
Sidewalk curves to
protect mature trees and
their roots. Berkeley, CA

Green screens introduce
three-dimensional
element. Copenhagen, DK

A green roof has been integrated
into a bus shelter to absorb the
rainfall that lands on it. London, UK

effectiveness and appearance.
•

Native and drought tolerant
plants, Street trees,

Infiltration

Greenroofs, Green screens
Infiltration techniques are designed
to hold standing water for a period
of time before eventually infiltrating
or flowing into the sewer system.

Bioswales run parallel to traffic lanes and
can be used to narrow the road and provide
small habitat corridors. Seattle, WA

Interlocking permeable pavers allow water
to infiltrate between and into the pavement.
Denver, CO

This cleans polluted water and
slows the time it takes for water to
reach the sewer, which prevents
system overload during large storm
events.
•

Infiltration strip filters water before
discharging into the sewer system. Portland,
OR

Raingardens, Bioswales,
Stream daylighting, Infiltration

This raingarden takes advantage of the
reclaimed space used for traffic calming.
Portland, OR

trench, Detention basin,
Permeable pavement, Planted

Water Reuse

pavers
Water Reuse captures and stores
rainwater that would normally
run directly into the sewer. This
treats water as a resources rather
than a waste by using the water
for productive uses like flushing
toilets or irrigation.
•

This cistern becomes a sculptural art piece
and public education tool. Seattle, WA

Vision

Open and closed trenches/runnels integrated
into the sidewalk carry water to where it can
be used. Malmö, Sweden

Neighborhood Greenway?

Physical Elements

Putting it Together

Take Action

33

Putting it
Together
To envision what Neighborhood Greenways could be, these street design
collages combine a number of physical elements in locations throughout
the city. They are shown at actual sites and are meant to illustrate one of
several alternatives to address a site-specific problem. The sites were selected
after discussions with existing neighborhood group leaders and analysis of
potential connections. However, each neighborhood and route will encounter
similar situations and these visual collages can provide inspiration and
generate discussions.

34

Vision

Neighborhood Greenway?

Physical Elements

Putting it Together

Take Action

The strategies and changes applied to the street were inspired by real-world
examples. The designs were developed with the ‘Quality Criteria’ in mind to
ensure that each key issue was addressed. After putting together the principles
of Neighborhood Greenways, the physical elements and the ‘Quality Criteria’
checklist, we hope Seattle residents are one step closer to safer and more
inviting streets.

Vision

Neighborhood Greenway?

Physical Elements

Putting it Together

Take Action

35

Do it Yourself
Not every street will be officially designated as a
Neighborhood Greenway, but neighbors can work
together to achieve many of the same results. With
careful route planning and a few low-cost additions,
homeowners can contribute to the creation of a safe
and well-connected network. These investments
will make this typical residential street more inviting
while also demonstrating the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
commitment to additional transportation options.

Rain barrel captures
roof runoff that is
stored for later use
in the garden.

Homes and windows out
onto the street provide
natural surveillance and a
perceived sense of safety.

* May require City permit

45th Avenue SW, West Seattle

SEATTLE
AVG
45TH
sT SW

Neighbors gain a sense
of ownership and look
after their street.

* Raingarden built by
homeowner and funded
by the Seattle Residential
RainWise program.

36

Vision
Vision

NeighborhoodGreenway?
Greenway?
Neighborhood

PhysicalElements
Elements
Physical

Putting it
it Together
Putting
Together

Take
TakeAction
Action

Map of potential Neighborhood
Greenways invites people to
start using the route to connect
to destinations.
Hand signals kindly
remind users that they
equally share the street.
Temporary furniture
donated by residents bring
a sense of life and activity.

A school and a park are separated by a potential
Neighborhood Greenway but the lack of buildings
along the street edge makes the block feel
unwelcoming. An enhanced mid-block crossing can
be integrated with a curb extension to narrow the
travel lane. This shortens the crossing distance for
pedestrians, slows vehicular traffic and identifies
entrances to the two destinations.

45th Avenue NE, Laurelhurst

Flashing LED lighting
within the pavement inform
riders of upcoming obstacle.

38

Vision
Vision

NeighborhoodGreenway?
Greenway?
Neighborhood

PhysicalElements
Elements
Physical

Putting it
it Together
Putting
Together

Take
TakeAction
Action

Neckdown forces
cars to slow down by
temporarily narrowing
the travel lane to 17 feet.

Parking spots on both side
of the street are removed
to improve visibility.

Sidewalk height is extended
by raising the crosswalk 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;
above the street, creating a
speed table to slow cars.

Vision
Vision

NeighborhoodGreenway?
Greenway?
Neighborhood

Pavement marking directs bicycles
to the right of the street where they
are momentarily separated from the
vehicle travel lane.

PhysicalElements
Elements
Physical

Putting it
it Together
Putting
Together

Appropriately scaled
signage informs bikers of
nearby attractions.

Take
TakeAction
Action

39

Crossing a Busy Street
A park is separated from neighborhood residences
by an arterial street. By narrowing the road
to two lanes, a median refuge island can be
placed between the travel lanes to momentarily
divert drivers. This provides pedestrians and
cyclists a haven while crossing the arterial and
partially restricts vehicles from turning onto the
Neighborhood Greenway.

Developed as a pilot project,
permeable pavers denote vehicle
parking and visually narrow the
road when no cars are parked.

S Spokane Street + Lafayette Avenue S, Beacon Hill

Walking and running path
separated from two-way
bicycle path by a buffer.

Median refuge island designed wide
enough for two passing bicycles or
for a cargo bike to safely wait.

PhysicalElements
Elements
Physical

Putting it
it Together
Putting
Together

Take
TakeAction
Action

41

Thinking about the Gaps
Due to shifting street grids, some Neighborhood
Greenways cannot cross an arterial in a straight line
and bicyclists and pedestrians must temporarily
travel along a busier road. This can be dangerous
unless riders are separated from car traffic. A oneway cycle track creates a safe route for bicyclists
who will then use a highly visible crossing to enter
back onto a Neighborhood Greenway. Stormwater
features can be integrated to further help separate
bicyclists and pedestrians from heavy traffic.

One way cycletrack on both
sides of the street direct cyclists
to safe crossing across arterial.

Limiting Cut-through Traffic
In high-traffic areas where major roads intersect,
neighborhoods might experience cut-through
traffic. A diagonal diverter placed one or two
blocks away from an arterial street can restrict
the vehicle traffic from making shortcuts on
Neighborhood Greenways. In this example, the
diverter is constructed by placing rain gardens into
the intersection with small openings for pedestrians
and bicyclists to easily travel through the barrier.

Barrier diverts traffic while
retaining vehicle access to
local destinations.

Potholes and pavement
improvements
during construction
and subsequent
maintenance prioritized.
Opening wide
enough for bicycles
to comfortably move
through the barrier.

NeighborhoodGreenway?
Greenway?
Neighborhood

PhysicalElements
Elements
Physical

Putting it
it Together
Putting
Together

Take
TakeAction
Action

45

Take Action
The City is developing a comprehensive model for planning and constructing
Neighborhood Greenways. This means that the physical elements, the layout,
and the quality of the infrastructure in one neighborhood will be similar to
that in another. A city wide strategy for design, development, implementation,
and evaluation will ultimately facilitate a complete network of Neighborhood
Greenways.

46

Vision

Neighborhood Greenway?

Physical Elements

Putting it Together

Take Action

In order to have the greatest amount of success, this project must have broad
involvement and support from both citizens and interest groups, and from
both the private and public sectors. Many grassroots efforts have already
begun and by working effectively within a public engagement process, those
involved can contribute first-hand knowledge and advocate for their own
needs and desires.

Vision

Neighborhood Greenway?

Physical Elements

Putting it Together

Take Action

47

Understanding the Planning Process
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will incorporate
Neighborhood Greenways in the Seattle Bicycle Master Plan update.
SDOT will oversee coordination with other city departments and initiate a
public engagement process. The diagram on the following pages is modeled
after Portlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public engagement process and illustrates how communities
could effectively engage in planning their own Neighborhood Greenways.

EVALUATION

ZE
ANI
ORG

Series of questionnaires and postconstruction evaluation will ensure
quality insurance and help secure
future funding.

Notify residents that their
neighborhood is being considered
and prioritize potential routes.

INTERNAL STRATEGY

DE

FIN

ET

HE

SC

OP

E

Coordinate with SPU, Parks,
Neighborhoods, OSE and other
City departments.

“The concept is simple
and we learned that
implementing the concept
is cost effective, too.”

E,
CAT
EDU E
,
M VAT
OR
INF MOTI
D
AN

Bagshaw, Sally. Sally Blogshaw.
March 09, 2011.

IDE
AN NTIFY
DP
OS DEST
SIB
I
LE NATIO
RO
UT NS
ES

AND ES
ING LIANC
L
UND
E F TIVE A
A
LOR
EXP LABOR
L
CO

OPEN HOUSE:
ROUTE SELECTION

Present overall concept and
possible routes. Without public
support, another route will be
selected.

DESIGN & ENGINEERING

Planners and engineers choose
from approved toolbox of traditional
and innovative design elements.

Vision
Vision

NeighborhoodGreenway?
Greenway?
Neighborhood

PhysicalElements
Elements
Physical

PuttingititTogether
Together
Putting

Take Action
Action
Take

49

A Resident’s Guide for
Working with the City

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

There are many opportunities for community members to show support and help
create Seattle’s Neighborhood Greenways. Below is a list of possible ways to be
involved.

5 900

13 000
5 000

43 000

2 300

ORGANIZE

DEFINE THE SCOPE

INFORM, EDUCATE, AND
MOTIVATE

IDENTIFY DESTINATIONS AND
POSSIBLE ROUTES

Build a network of involved
citizens who want to be involved
in the process of Neighborhood
Greenways.

Clearly define the borders of
the neighborhood. Typically
administrative or geographical
borders will apply but steep
slopes or watersheds may
create a natural boundary.

Develop a clear message
for the neighborhood group.
Talking points and other tools
are available on the Seattle
Neighborhood Greenways
website.

Think practically. Begin evaluating
streets that have a low motorized
traffic speed and, ideally, less
than 1,000 cars a day.

Survey potential users to better
understand their needs. For
example, school children can fill
out questionnaires where they
describe the route they use for
coming to school.

Know your audience and target
the message to entice different
groups.

Encourage group leaders
to arise who will be able to
either communicate with
officials, fundraise, educate the
community or facilitate route
selection activities.
Seek out other neighborhood
groups, local community groups,
schools, business associations,
local health leaders, and anyone
else who might like to be
involved in the process.

Consider how Neighborhood
Greenways could help
accomplish other neighborhood
projects or aspirations.

Continue to identify and use
a variety of outreach tools to
engage with other potential
users.
Websites, blogs and online
media can be helpful but don’t
overlook the power of talking
with people face-to-face. Set up
a booth at the farmer’s market or
simply talk to you neighbor.
Identify opportunity for additional
branding and campaigns that
inform, educate and motivate
residents to get out and start
envisioning the fantastic
possibilities of potential routes.

NeighborhoodGreenway?
Greenway?
Neighborhood

PhysicalElements
Elements
Physical

PuttingititTogether
Together
Putting

Identify streets that are already
preferred for walking and biking
by observing or counting the
pedestrians, bicycles, and cars in
the area.
Invite all types of users to help
map all destinations in the area parks and spaces, schools, shops,
transit hubs, markets, sport
facilities, libraries, child care,
etc. Expand the scope to include
destinations and bicycle routes in
adjacent neighborhoods.
Identify potential barriers
along each route and specific
intersections that will need
special considerations.
Analyze the existing conditions
of the possible routes using the
‘Quality Criteria.’

Take Action
Action
Take

S

EXPLORE FUNDING AND
COLLABORATIVE ALLIANCES

PRIORITIZE PROJECTS

CAPTURE MOMENTUM AND
INVITE PEOPLE TO THE STREET

EVALUATE AND IMPROVE

New opportunities emerge once
routes are decided. Consider
who might directly benefit and
reach out to them.

Determine the route, or routes,
that can link the greatest
amount of people.

Seattle residential streets can be
closed up to once every month.
Start programming and planning
new events on the streets.

Measure the results regularly
by gathering data. Continue
to count pedestrian and
bicycle usage, as well as
staying activities along the
Neighborhood Greenways.

Think creatively. A variety of
private funding sources could
be used to supplement available
funding for construction or even
used to hire a design consultant
to explore innovative traffic
calming solutions.
Apply for Seattle Neighborhood
Matching Funds and other city
programs that can be used to
fund workshops and planning
initiatives.
Invite potential partners on
a bike ride or walk to show
them problem areas and
opportunities.

Vision
Vision

Minimize the cost of
implementation. Prioritize
improvements that are low cost
but have the highest impact.
Consider both long and shortterm solutions.
Ensure that every resident is
informed about a potential along
their street.
Think how each project might
strengthen local characteristics
and identity.
Consider how to integrate
wayfinding, traffic control and
calming, modal separation,
green stormwater infrastructure,
and invitations.

NeighborhoodGreenway?
Greenway?
Neighborhood

Publish virtual and portable
maps of the new routes
to be constructed in the
neighborhood.
Familiarize people with the
routes by re-routing Sunday
rides, Safe Routes to Schools,
and other safe events onto the
Neighborhood Greenway.
Organize other programs,
such as a neighborhood speed
watch, to further enhance the
experience and achieve the
‘Quality Criteria.’
Consider offering incentives to
users seen on a Neighborhood
Greenway and thank them for
using hand signals while biking
or to drivers politely sharing the
road with non-motorized users.

PhysicalElements
Elements
Physical

PuttingititTogether
Together
Putting

Regularly inform others about
results using campaigns, media,
or innovative methods, such
as a public cycling counter, to
encourage even more users.
Interview users to identify
additional needs and problems
in the network.
Share photographs of your
street to get others excited.
Recognize that improvements
might need to be made.
Document potential
improvements using the ‘Quality
Criteria’ and compare to data
gathered in Step 4.

Seattle Toolkit 2012: Seattle Neighborhood Greenways

We are glad you have chosen to learn about creating Seattle’s Neighborhood Greenways. Our Greenways will provide connections to places you want to go: to school, to your library, your park and business district and much more. We welcome you to be part of creating this great city-wide network. This booklet is meant as a guide for citizens who want to image and promote Neighborhood Greenways in Seattle, to inspire as well as provide practical tools. It has been developed by University of Washington students Betsy Jacobson and Jenn Richter while working as interns in the UW Green Futures Lab in Seattle and at Gehl Architects in Copenhagen.